The Lok Sabha elections have presented Sharad Pawar with a great opportunity in Maharashtra politics, which he is fully utilizing. Following his meeting with Chhagan Bhujbal and the return of some NCP leaders from Pimpri-Chinchwad, Sharad Pawar is preparing for the Maharashtra Assembly elections with renewed vigor.
However, the main topic at the moment is Sharad Pawar's response to the question of Ajit Pawar’s return. Interestingly, Sharad Pawar has not dismissed the possibility. Instead, he said decisions will be taken after consulting his loyal associates, who stood by during difficult times, and remained on the frontline even when family members left.
In 2023, Ajit Pawar rebelled against Sharad Pawar with his supporter legislators and teamed up with BJP, eventually becoming the Deputy CM in Eknath Shinde's government. When it came to claiming NCP, the Election Commission sided with Ajit Pawar and even granted him the election symbol.
Everything was going well until the Lok Sabha elections threw a wrench in the works. After losing the Lok Sabha seat in Baramati, Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, managed to reach the Rajya Sabha with BJP’s help, but their importance in the grand alliance diminished since they could win only one Lok Sabha seat.
With questions arising about NCP’s potential performance in the Maharashtra Assembly elections based on the Lok Sabha results, tensions began in the alliance. Initially sparked by the allocation of one Minister of State position, the rift grew after NCP declined. BJP seemed to take this to heart.
Amidst this, the RSS-affiliated Marathi magazine 'Vivek' added fuel to the fire by demanding NCP's removal from the alliance. This led NCP leaders to reassess their future, considering returning to Sharad Pawar, though no clear path has been paved for Ajit Pawar's return yet.
Is the Door Open for the Nephew?
The question of Ajit Pawar’s return arises from a recent statement by Sharad Pawar. Last month, Sharad Pawar said that those who wish to weaken the party have no place here... but those leaders who want to strengthen it and maintain its image are welcome.
The dynamics of Maharashtra politics shifted significantly post-Lok Sabha elections. While Ajit Pawar secured just one seat, Sharad Pawar managed to win eight seats, which changed the game entirely.
The BJP's subpar performance in Maharashtra has been attributed to its coalition with NCP. According to 'Vivek,' an RSS-affiliated Marathi magazine, this alliance created confusion and disappointment among BJP workers and supporters.
A report in 'Vivek' points out that when discussing the reasons for BJP's defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, the coalition with NCP is frequently mentioned first by BJP workers.
The report further stated that BJP workers were not comfortable with the alliance with NCP... unlike the Hindutva-based, decades-old alliance with Shiv Sena, which was more natural. Despite various issues, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance remained consistent, whereas the NCP alliance was seen as mismatched... increasing disappointment over the Lok Sabha election results. This led some BJP leaders to call for ending the coalition with Ajit Pawar.
Addressing the question of welcoming Ajit Pawar back, NCP leader Anil Deshmukh told a TV channel that the party decision would be collective. He explained that Sharad Pawar carries two lists in his pocket – one with names to be taken into the party, and another with names not to be taken.
When asked which list Ajit Pawar's name is on, Anil Deshmukh evaded, saying Ajit Pawar is focused on expanding his party... let him do that. However, regarding other leaders, Deshmukh mentioned, Sharad Pawar's party is seeing members return... those who left thinking their constituency would fare better under a MLA's rule are now coming back in large numbers.
Speaking to journalists in Pune, the issue of Ajit Pawar was raised. Sharad Pawar was asked if his nephew-turned-Deputy CM in the grand alliance government would be welcomed back into the party.
Responding, Maharashtra’s former Chief Minister Sharad Pawar said primarily two things: one, there is room for everyone in the house.
When further asked if there was space for Ajit Pawar in SPC (Sharad Pawar's party), he stated, such decisions cannot be made individually... they will consult the colleagues who stood by during tough times before making any decision.
Sharad Pawar seemed to lean towards consent, indicating that the final decision would still rest with him post-consultation – and his stance doesn’t suggest a “no entry” sign for Ajit Pawar, despite the contest involving his wife Sunetra Pawar against their cousin Supriya Sule for the Baramati Lok Sabha seat.
Not Just Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar Stands to Benefit Too
Assume Ajit Pawar returns to the family fold – who benefits more, Ajit Pawar or Sharad Pawar?
Both have their advantages. If Ajit Pawar parts ways with BJP, he regains the original support system, though it won’t be as before.
Ajit Pawar has rebelled against Sharad Pawar twice. Although he was welcomed and adopted into the family initially, it’s unlikely to always be the same.
Ajit Pawar might not reap significant benefits upon return, but Sharad Pawar could gain considerably:
1.
Sharad Pawar could regain the previous election symbol from the Election Commission, thus regaining full control over NCP, including party assets and paraphernalia.
2.
Ajit Pawar’s return would also bring back his team members, potentially strengthening NCP.
3.
The biggest gain for Sharad Pawar would be the permanent end to Ajit Pawar’s defiance, eliminating his claim to Sharad Pawar’s political legacy, and paving the way for Supriya Sule.
